Wood Framing Dominated U.S. Home Construction in 2025
While wood remained the primary material for new homes, builders increasingly turned to steel in some regions.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Residential
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Wood framing accounted for 94 percent of completed single-family homes in the U.S. in 2025. Although this share held steady compared to 2024, the total volume of wood-framed completions dipped by 1 percent.
Why it matters
Understanding common construction methods helps homeowners evaluate the durability and maintenance expectations of their properties. Variations in framing materials are often driven by local requirements for structural resiliency.
In 2025, builders completed 947,000 wood-framed homes, 53,000 concrete-framed homes, and 5,000 steel-framed units across the U.S. While wood-framed volume fell 1 percent and concrete fell 4 percent, steel-framed completions rose by 25 percent compared to 2024.
The details
Wood framing continues to be the industry standard, maintaining a 94 percent share of the single-family market. Non-wood framing methods like concrete and steel are frequently utilized to meet regional structural resiliency requirements. These alternatives are concentrated in the South, where 60 percent of the nation's new steel-framed homes were constructed in 2025.
Timeline
2024 served as the baseline year for national home completion comparisons.
2025 represents the primary data reporting period for these framing statistics.
The Home Front
The construction industry continues to show a strong reliance on timber, mirroring the long-standing historical dominance of wood in U.S. residential building. While niche adoption of steel and concrete framing persists, these methods remain secondary to the standard wood-frame model.
If you are purchasing a home or planning a renovation, ask your builder or inspector to clarify the structural framing material used in your property. Understanding if your home uses wood, steel, or concrete can help you better identify future maintenance needs and insurance requirements.
The takeaway
While wood framing remains the baseline for the vast majority of U.S. homes, the rise in steel-framed construction highlights a shift toward resiliency in specific regions. Keep a record of your home’s structural components in your digital property file for easier insurance adjustments.
Further reading
For more information on how national building trends affect your property value, visit Residential.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Lesprom Network.
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Should residential building regulations prioritize regional safety requirements over traditional wood-frame construction methods?
